Vintage Wood Tibetan Lama Mask, China (16936B-IRK) $295

Description

Mask carving is among the oldest of Tibetan art and folk-art forms dating to 6^th century Bonpo dances, the religion predating Buddhism, that embraces animism and shamanism dances. Totem animal masks were traditionally used in sacred ceremonial dances: shamanic rituals to thank the gods, expel bad spirits, and ask for blessings; operas in performances without a stage or backdrop; weddings and funerals to insure prosperity, good luck, a lasting marriage and a comfortable afterlife; exorcisms to protect homes by purging them of malevolent entities; and other festivals and rituals. This piece is related to the sacred Tibetan Buddhist monastic dance called the “Cham Lama Dance” that occurs in a monastery courtyard with monks and nuns along with chanting and the music of trumpets, horns and cymbals and many masked participants who wear  masks of Buddhist teachers and saints, animal deities and wrathful or menacing deities to strike fear and drive away wicked spirits that threaten the harmony or balance of the monks’ concentration and meditations. Depicted with realistic, intense yet reassuring features in a slender face with open mouth, large eyes, elongated ears and animal hair for his mustache, beard and ears, his alert angular eyebrows, soft lips and cheeks are highlighted with pigmentation. Portrayed as a wise man in deep concentration, his headdress is significantly painted in red and yellow associated with powerful rituals and symbolizes wisdom and compassion. It is in excellent condition with minor signs of wear consistent with age and use.This mask is part of the VA Collection of Buddhist-art.